On Sunday we had Thanksgiving with my family. A few days early, but it was the only time all of my brothers could be together, and everyone wanted to meet Olga amd Katya. It was the first time they ever tasted turkey, not to mention all of the other dishes Italian families prepare on the holidays. Olga liked the turkey a lot, but Katya wasn't that keen about it. The next morning, they both wanted turkey leftovers for breakfast (go figure!). Katya, however, asked for ketchup and poured it all over her turkey. That made all the difference, now she loves turkey, as long as it is smothered in ketchup!
On Monday, we went to the Roosevelt Field shopping mall in Nassau County (near Westbury). They have never seen anything like it. Katya was particularly impressed with the FAO Schwartz toy store. When we wanted to eat, I took her to their typical food court, consisting of fast food from everywhere. Burgers, Taco Bell, Chinese, Cuban, they couldn't believe all the choices. They tried several samples that were being given out. Olga finally settled on some Cuban chicken, which she said was similar to Russian barbecue chicken.
Today we took the subway into Manhattan to visit the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium. I was disappointed with the way they have remodeled the planetarium. I liked it the old way, it used to be dark and mysterious. They loved it though, and especially all the exhibits in the Museum. We ate in the cafeteria in the museum, and again Okga tried several different things. She didn't care for asparagus or artichoke hearts, but she loved the manicotti. Katya played it safe with pizza and macaroni and cheese, while I ate everything they didn't finish. Olga and Katya can't believe how much food Americans eat. She says no wonder there are so many overweight people here. Well, it's true. I sure eat more than I should, but oh well...
Tonight we will be visited by aunts and uncles and friends of the family. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we may visit the site of the WTC. Olga wants to see it. On Thursday, we leave for Florida. More to come...
